January Explorations in our Parks

A monthly nature e-newsletter sharing our nature news and events

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Phillippi Estate Park Archaeological Event

New College Archaeology professor, Dr. Uzi Baram; Sarasota County archaeologists Ryan Murphy and Steve Koski; Florida Public Archaeological Network staff; Time Sifters and USF graduate archaeological students will be probing and possibly excavating the Prodie Shell Midden located on the grounds.

Learn about our National Symbol, the American Bald Eagle with Sarasota County volunteer Jim Clubb and two of our very own Lemon Bay Eagle Watch Volunteers for an Eagle Walk and Talk. You will learn about Lemon Bay’s Eagles, what to look for when hiking so you can see them easier and why Lemon Bay is such a wonderful place for eagles to raise their young.

Join Sarasota County volunteers and Florida Native Plant Society members Al Squires and Denny Girard on a winter New Year’s walk as they guide you through scrub, flatwoods, and coastal woodlands that border beautiful Lemon Bay. Along the way, they will share information about winter native vegetation, searching for Florida scrub-jays that make their home on this preserve as well as keeping an eye out for nesting bald eagles.

Local fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants for sale as well as local foods and artisan crafts. Enjoy live music and free parking. Plenty of volunteers ready to assist you. Pets on a leash are always welcome at the market.

During market hours, enjoy FREE narrated historical tours of the Edson Keith Mansion starting at 10 a.m. The tour includes the history of the early beginnings of the Sarasota Community. Also, be sure to sneak a peek to see renovations in progress of the Keith Farmhouse, one of the few remaining wood frame structures of the early 1900’s and the first building erected on the property. Once renovated, it will become an Interpretive Center, featuring artifacts, memorabilia and photographs of how the common man lived nearly 100 years ago.

For more information on the PhillippiFarmhouse Market or how to become a vendor: Call 941-275-9397 or emailpresident@foscp.org

Land Management in an Urban Setting at Red Bug Slough Preserve

Join Jeff Weber, Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, as he identifies and shares a number of special challenges facing land managers who are in charge of managing sensitive, natural habitats atRed Bug Slough Preserve, an urban natural area site. Learn about the innovative ways Sarasota County staff manages fire dependent habitats, mitigate wildfire danger, protect rare species and balance the needs of public recreation.

Join Sarasota County Park Naturalist Angela Kaiser for Friday morning fitness walks at Lemon Bay Park! You will take a brisk walk every Friday along the 2 mile loop trail through Lemon Bay’s beautiful and picturesque pine flatwoods. Walks will leave from the Arbor at the end of the parking lot promptly at 9 a.m. This fitness walk will be every Friday until May 27 Be sure to join us for exercise, fresh air and fun!

Be an explorer and hike the trails with Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Nancy Edmondson to experience firsthand the importance of fire in our natural landscapes. What are the benefits and how do we execute safe fire in our preserves? See and compare recent burns to areas burned a few years ago and to the unburned landscape. Understand the what, why, when, who and especially, the how we use fire as a tool on our preserves.

Calling all F.I.S.H. – Folks Interested in Submerged Habitats! Get a little wet, have a little fun and learn a lot!

Join American Littoral Society Biologist Chuck Idelberger on a search for marine life in Lemon Bay. Using hand and seine nets, you will search shallow waters and seagrass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit the bay.

To register for this event, please call Chuck Idelberger directly at 941-488-8998.

“What’s that?” Plant and Animal ID Hike at Curry Creek Preserve

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and super sleuth, Jeff Weber, at Curry Creek Preserve, an urban natural area site. He will lead you on a fun informative journey of discovery through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks highlighting both native and non-native plants and animals of the preserve.

Learn how selective removal of invasive exotics and use of native and other beneficial plants significantly increase biodiversity and improves wildlife habitat, bringing more birds, frogs and dragon flies. Other points of interest include algae and weed control, littoral zones, use of aquatic plants, water quality issues, biological plant control and erosion control.

The Friends of the Legacy Trail (FLT) Surrey Program offers a way for mobility challenged residents and visitors who would otherwise be unable to share in The Legacy Trail to enjoy the experience. You will be able to sit back and enjoy the ride on a 4-passenger, 4-wheeled canopy covered bicycle while FLT volunteers provide the pedal-power. On-line registrations are open now.

Take in the scenery of Sleeping Turtles Preserve South, located along the beautiful Myakka River, while enjoying some vigorous cardio activity with Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Nancy Edmondson. Join us for this approximately 2 mile moderately paced hike through pine flatwoods and hammocks, stopping along the way pausing to appreciate the natural landscape.

Nestled in the heart of suburban Sarasota, Red Bug Slough Preserve is our very own version of a mini Central Park. Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber for a hike and discover the wonders of this suburban oasis. Participants will explore shady oak hammocks and pine flatwoods and learn about the preserve’s interesting plants and wildlife.

Florida is home to fifty species of snakes and forty-five subspecies, only six of which are venomous. Join us to learn about the most common snakes you will find in Sarasota County, how best to identify them and their benefit for the local environment. Be prepared to see live examples of non-venomous native snake species.

Calling all birding enthusiasts! Be tantalized and wowed by the vast array of bird species and nature found at the beautiful Carlton Reserve. Join local birder, Charlie Sample, as he leads you on a birding nature journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to help document the multitude of bird species on the Carlton Reserve outback. You won’t be disappointed!

Learn how the use of rain barrels can conserve water, save money by reducing the use of potable water in landscapes (lower utility bills), and reduce stormwater runoff by storing and diverting runoff from impervious surfaces (roofs). Practical tips on the construction and installation will be provided. Rain barrels for sale for $37 each, includes tax and spigot assembly. Cash or check accepted.

Got bikes? It’s perfect weather to grab the whole family to join guides David Reynolds and Gary Vasbinder for an off-road wilderness bicycle ride through the beautiful Carlton Reserve. Expect to see lots of wildlife! Must be able to ride an off-road type bicycle.

Please call David Reynolds at 941-412-5575 or Gary Vasbinder at 941-893-7729 directly for registration and meeting place.

A Walk through the Mangroves

Enjoy a walk on Blind Pass Beach through mangrove forests and a mangrove fringe with wonderful views of Lemon Bay. Sarasota County volunteers, Denny Girard and Al Squires, will be your guides. Along your way, you also may encounter native plants and animals including; a variety of shore birds, such as snowy egret; and birds of prey such as bald eagle and osprey.

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and super sleuth, Jeff Weber, as he leads you on an informative, fun journey of discovery through oak hammocks highlighting both native and non-native plants and animals of the preserve. Enjoy your hike through the preserve (once the site of the famed Pollyanna Inn in 1922), catching glimpses of eastern red cedars, cabbage palms, Boston ferns and views of beautiful Dona Bay.

Do you wonder what are flatwoods, hammocks and scrub? What’s the difference between a swamp and a marsh? Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Nancy Edmondson as we walk discussing plant communities in Manasota Beach Preserve. For instance, what influences whether a flatwoods is mesic or xeric or something else? We’ll look at how the different plant communities integrate with each other to form the tapestry of our natural landscapes, as well as taking a closer look at the different plant species in each community we visit.

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, on a special moonlit hike to experience the mystery and intrigue of our natural areas after dark. Look and listen for twilight sights and sounds and learn about customs, superstitions and natural phenomena related to the moon. Please be sure to bring a flashlight and insect repellent.

Learn about the native plants in our Florida ecosystems on this walk and talk. We will discuss the many ways that native plants provide benefits to our local wildlife. Be prepared to walk for the majority of the time. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and water.

For questions or further information, please contact UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at 941-861-9900 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu or register on EventBrite here.

The Importance of Fire in Florida Ecosystems

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Jeff Weber, for a guided hike during ‘Prescribed Fire Awareness Week’ at this rural eastern Sarasota County site. You will learn the history of fire in Florida and how Sarasota County uses prescribed burning to manage many of our natural area parks and preserves. Explore recently-burned areas at Old Miakka Preserve and learn about how fire-dependent habitats and wildlife species have evolved to depend on periodic fires and how they respond and thrive after an area is burned.

Ever wonder where wildflowers bloom – and when? How many kinds of butterflies and dragonflies live here? Or which eggs, like the gopher tortoise’s, may be hatching? And when do Florida Scrub-jays learn to fly? Join Park Naturalist, Brooke Elias on ‘fourth Thursday’s’ though May 26th, on a stroll to explore the annual rhythms and cycles of Shamrock Park and Nature Center.

Did you know that sea purslane has been used to clean stagnant waters? Have you heard the legend that inspired the name of Spanish moss? Join Florida Master Naturalist, Tina Sebastian and Sarasota County Environmental Specialist, Nancy Edmondson, for a leisurely walk and discover fascinating facts about the plants that grow there.

Join Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and super sleuth, Jeff Weber, at Red Bug Slough Preserve, an urban natural area site, as he leads participants on an fun informative journey of discovery. Your trek will take you through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks highlighting both native and non-native plants and animals of the preserve.

Bring the family to see a first-hand look at how prescribed burns protect our communities and property from wildfires, maintaining Florida’s natural ecosystems for present and future generations. Lots of exhibitors, live animals and demonstrations for your family to enjoy.

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